I've been thinking of this story for ages. I don't have much time (so apologies in advance for any grammar/spelling/cannon errors), but I needed to get this out of my head so enjoy! Feel free to comment any questions, suggestions, or cannon corrections below! I do try to do some research, but I can't do a deep dive so hopefully what google brings up first is accurate.
Vivian boarded the Hogwarts express. She quickly found a seat alone. Taking a deep breath in she leaned up against the cool class to get a better view of the platform. Children of all ages were beginning to appear with family and parents waving them off. The chatter of voices soon filled the train. Picking up a book she tried to read to slow her beating heart. New places. New people. It all felt too much. Getting on the train early hadn't lessened her anxiety as she had hoped. The door to her compartment opened. Glancing up she saw the girl had dark red hair. Vivian quickly looked back at her book forcing herself to take deep slow breaths.
"Hello! I'm Lily & this is Severus." A cheery and energetic voice spoke up across from her. Lowing her book Vivian offered a hesitant smile.
"I'm Vivian." She glanced over at the boy she hadn't noticed earlier. "Nice to meet you both."
"You're a first year too right? Severus told me there are four houses we are sorted into. Which one do you want to be in?" Lily smiled wider, leaning forward.
"Well…my parents were both in Slytherin, but I wouldn't mind any of the other houses." She glanced between them watching their reactions. Either people loved Slytherin or hated it. For some reason there never seemed to be an in-between.
"I think they all sound great! Hopefully we can all get sorted into the same house!" Lily was quite talkative, but the Severus boy stayed quiet unless specifically asked a question. Vivian was delighted to have already made a friend. She had thought it would take her a couple weeks, but Lily was warm and welcoming, easily carrying the conversation for the three of them. It was surprising to learn she was a muggleborn. She seemed to fit in easily. All too quickly they arrived outside of started wide eyed at the giant of a man who greeted them. Lily looked at her with eyes equally surprised.
"Name's Harid. Follow me this way first years. To the boats. Then you'll be sorted into your houses. Right this way. Mind yer step!" The man strode towards the shore line where small boats had been lined up. The three of them were almost to one of the boats when a group of boys rushed in front of them shoving each other playfully before getting on board.
Lily rolled her eyes while Severus glared at them. Vivian shook her head and urged the two towards the last boat. Sitting down she was finally able to gap as they came closer to the castle. She shivered, pulling her cloak closer as the fog swirled around. Once out everyone kept to hushed whispers before falling silent again as they focused on the rocky path. They had to carefully pick their way across until they reached the stone steps leading up.
A witch greets them, ushering them through a large door.
"It's time to get sorted into your houses. Wait until I call your name."
The room is filled with other students. Vivian's heart starts to race as she tries to focus on what the Headmaster is saying. It all sounds muffled. Suddenly a hand grabs hers. Glancing over Vivian realizes Lily looks just as nervous as her, if not a little green. She gives her hand a squeeze mustering up a small smile. Lily smiled in return, taking a deep breath. One by one the students went up to a stool for the sorting hat to be placed on their heads. As soon as she heard Lily be placed into Gryffindor she knew she wanted to be sorted there as well. She wasn't about to lose her first friend. She walked up stiffly after her name was called. Sitting down she focuses on the large doors refusing to look at the hundreds of eyes staring at her.
She couldn't help muttering no over and over as soon as the sorting hat said "Seems like another Slytherin." The hat paused, "If not Slytherin, then…hmm…It had better be…GRYFFINDOR!"
